Dear NRPA Member
Some of the information below has been communicated previously, however, as there is now a lot of roadworks happening on the boundaries of Noordhoek it is worthwhile sharing again.
Proposed Houmoed Extension
Update on proposed Houmoed Extension from Masi to Sunnydale – thanks to Sunnydale Ratepayers Association for the update. As this is in their area they are dealing with CHAND and the City. Noordhoek would be affected so we are in contact with Sunnydale Ratepayers and we are a registered and affected party. This means that CHAND and the City will have to include us in communication and in their investigation. Note EIA is an Environmental Impact Assessment.
From Trish Wood – Chair Sunnydale Ratepayers Association:
In consultation with Rafieka from CHAND I was told the following:
· the EIA has started
· the EIA will take between 6 and 9 months
· there will be a focused group meeting for affected/interested parties towards the end of February
· a letter drop will be done to alert residents of this meeting
· the e-mail data base will be notified of this meeting
· alternatives are currently being investigated by the technical team.
I suggested that CHAND invite affected and interested parties to submit queries/concerns in advance of this meeting. This will give the City the opportunity to have answers ready and possibly even incorporate them in their slides etc.
This is all the information that is available at present.
City commences with intersection upgrade at Silvermine Road and Ou Kaapse Weg
The City of Cape Town’s Transport and Urban Development Authority commenced with the upgrade of the Ou Kaapse Weg and Silvermine Road intersection in the far south on 23 January 2017.
The works at this intersection form part of the Kommetjie Road Project which will see an investment of approximately R171 million intended to relieve congestion on the main traffic routes and at key intersections in the Kommetjie area.
The Kommetjie Road Project is part of the City’s Congestion Management Programme which has prioritised Kommetjie as one of the areas in need of intervention.
‘The excavator which will be used to remove the small koppie opposite Noordhoek Manor arrived on site at about 09:00 this morning. The excavation of the rock outcrop is the first step in improving the sight distance at this busy intersection. The koppie is nearly 3 m high, making it difficult for motorists to see oncoming traffic. Once this excavation work is well under way, we will commence with the works on the western side of Ou Kaapse Weg on either side of the intersection with Silvermine Road. Here we will provide additional lanes for those turning left into and left out of Silvermine Road as well as a right-turn lane ,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member: Transport and Urban Development Authority, Councillor Brett Herron.
Once completed, the additional lanes and improved sight distance will significantly contribute to the safety of all road users at this intersection.
‘I want to add that an environmental control officer is supervising all works at the site to ensure that all of the necessary environmental authorisations are being adhered to by our contractor. We harvested the plants and seeds in the vicinity of the koppie some time ago already and these have been transported to a local fynbos nursery for care and propagation. Once we have removed the koppie, we will re-establish the topsoil and vegetation. The rock outcrop will be processed and reused along other sections of the Kommetjie Road Project in due course,’ said Councillor Herron.
Warning signs have been installed along the sections where the works are taking place.
‘The speed limit along these sections is 40 km/h and I request motorists to please adhere to the warning signs. Road users should also expect some minor delays at this intersection as slow-moving construction vehicles will be travelling to and from the site for the duration of the works,’ said Councillor Herron.
The preparatory works for the Kommetjie Road Project commenced in October last year. The project will take place over a period of 30 months, pending any unforeseen challenges.
‘The R171 million will be spent on new road infrastructure, including dual carriageways, to alleviate the congestion along sections of Kommetjie Road and Ou Kaapse Weg between Kommetjie Road and Noordhoek Main Road. All in all, the roadworks will cover a distance of approximately 3,5 km. We will try our best to limit the inconvenience caused during this time, however, roadworks are disruptive in nature and unexpected challenges can derail our best intentions and precautions. Residents and visitors are therefore requested to please be patient,’ said Councillor Herron.
The Transport and Urban Development Authority will communicate with the local residents and affected parties on a continual basis through notices and alerts, updates and newsletters. Regular community meetings will be hosted to provide interested and affected parties with the latest information.
End
Issued by: Media Office, City of Cape Town
Media enquiries: Councillor Brett Herron, Mayoral Committee Member: Transport and Urban Development Authority, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 400 1298 or Cell: 082 518 3264, E-mail: brett.herron@capetown.gov.za (please always copy media.account@capetown.gov.za)
Tree Felling
Recently Martin and East (M&E) have commenced tree felling operations at a number of locations on the above project. This is required to enable the contractor to commence with excavation work for cable trenches and road works. A number of approaches have been made by members of the public requesting that some of these logs and tree trunks be given to them. This has been turned down. Ownership of these logs and tree trunks remains with the contractor and the contractor is responsible for ensuring that they are eventually removed from site in a form that is safe.
This is a construction site and safety is very important – both for site staff and the general public. It is for this reason that M&E will not permit the removal of this timber from the site by the general public.
Your consideration will be appreciated.
– Kommetjie Road Upgrade Project Team.
Rafieka Johaar
Chand Environmental Consultants
P O Box 238
Plumstead
7801
Tel: (021) 762 3050
Fax: 086 665 7430
Email: rafieka@chand.co.za
Website: www.chand.co.za